Children’s network The Hub is launching the gender-bending animated series SheZow, according to a report by The Los Angeles Times.

SheZow, produced by Moody Street Kids and Kickstart Productions, and distributed by DHX Media, features 12-year-old Guy, a thrill-seeking dude trying to cultivate a macho image who inherits the superhero persona of his deceased aunt. Guy must use his super powers to battle mega-villains while sporting an outrageous female superhero costume, which ends up helping him on his own personal journey toward becoming a super man.

The Hub, co-owned by Discovery Communications and toy manufacturer Hasbro, is taking on children’s television giants Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Launched in October 2010, the fledgling network has had a few successes, including My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic and Transformers.

"When I first heard about the show, my reaction was 'Are you out of your minds?'" Margaret Loesch, chief executive of the Hub, reportedly said. "Then I looked at it and I thought, 'This is just funny.'"

Jennifer Wolfe is Director of News & Content at Animation World Network.